Jammu &Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the annual youth festival “SPECTRUM-24” at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Ompora Budgam. The festival, spanning two days, is a vibrant platform for students from various educational institutions in the Kashmir Valley to showcase their talents in performing arts, sports, fashion shows, and literary programs. In his address, the Lt Governor commended NIFT Srinagar for its efforts in providing students with opportunities to explore and exhibit their hidden talents. He emphasized the importance of such events in nurturing creativity and promoting cultural exchange among the youth of the region. Dr. Deepti, an Assistant Professor in Textile Design at NIFT, highlighted the cutting-edge projects being undertaken at the institute. She spoke about the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in textile design, emphasizing how these technologies are shaping the future of the field. Dr. Deepti elaborated on how AR and AI can enhance the design experience, allowing for the creation of dynamic and emotionally engaging designs without generating waste. This approach aligns with the global movement towards sustainability in fashion, demonstrating how advanced technologies can be leveraged to achieve eco-friendly solutions. She also discussed the potential of these technologies to revolutionize fashion by allowing designers to visualize and test their creations digitally, thus reducing the need for physical prototypes and minimizing environmental impact. This year’s festival theme, “Rangreza,” beautifully encapsulated the essence of color and creativity. Dr. Deepti explained how the festival incorporated various elements such as light projections and paper-based artworks to create immersive and visually stunning exhibits. One of the standout features was the representation of AI in art, marking a first for Srinagar. The use of light projections and interactive displays captivated the audience, showcasing the innovative spirit of NIFT students. Students at NIFT expressed their excitement and satisfaction with the festival. They highlighted the inclusive and supportive environment, noting the diverse cultural events and the high-quality exhibitions prepared for visitors. The presence of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha added a layer of prestige to the event. Despite initial nervousness, students found the Lt Governor to be approachable and appreciative of their efforts, further motivating them to excel in their creative endeavors. One student shared, “It’s quite good to be here. Everyone is pretty nice, and the cultural events are enriching. The exhibition we prepared is impressive, and we hope visitors enjoy it. When the LG arrived, we were nervous, but he was polite and appreciated our work, which was very encouraging.” “SPECTRUM-24” at NIFT Srinagar not only provided a platform for students to display their talents but also highlighted the innovative approaches being adopted in the field of textile design. The festival underscored the importance of blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create sustainable and impactful fashion solutions. Events like these are crucial in inspiring the next generation of designers and artists, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation in the Kashmir Valley.